'Sex Education' actor Simone Ashley joins Netflix's 'Bridgerton'

The first season of the show focused on Daphne Bridgerton (played by Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (essayed by Regé-Jean Page). Viewers saw how the leads crossed paths and stayed together, fighting all odds.

By the end of the first season, the focus shifted to Anthony Bridgerton (played by Jonathan Bailey), who inherited the Viscount title after his father's demise.

As per plans, Ashley would be playing Anthony's love interest in the show. His relationship with opera singer Siena ended in tragedy in the first season.

There is, however, an interesting twist when it comes to the identity of her character named Kate.

Though Quinn's second book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, identifies Anthony's love interest as Kate Sheffield, Ashley will play Kate Sharma.

As part of a smart move to transform racial inequalities in early 19th century England, show creator Shonda Rhimes presented a utopian society where even characters of color, such as Simon, are considered nobles.

Therefore, the official synopsis of the second season imagines Ashley as Kate Sharma, a headstrong young woman new to London who "suffers no fools."

About the second season, Bridgerton showrunner Chris Van Dusen said, "Anthony is going to have a love interest next season, and I think it's going to be as sweeping and moving and as beautiful as viewers of the first season have come to expect from the show."

Besides Sex Education, Ashley has also starred in the limited series The Sister and the third season of Broadchurch.